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Veterinary Kennel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kennel Attendant

Topeka, KS · On-site

$8 - $15/hr

We are currently seeking a Full Time/Part Time highly skilled Veterinary Kennel Technician to join our team. We are looking for applicants willing to work in a team setting with a positive attitude.

Kennel Attendant

Topeka, KS · On-site

$8 - $15/hr

We are currently seeking a Full Time/Part Time highly skilled Veterinary Kennel Technician to join our team. We are looking for applicants willing to work in a team setting with a positive attitude.

Jenks Veterinary Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Kennel Assistant to join our team! Our Kennel team is dedicated to the care and comfort of our patients while providing critical support to the ...

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Veterinary Kennel information

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$8

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How much do veterinary kennel jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary kennel in the United States is $13.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.78 and $15.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in the veterinary field?

In the veterinary field, specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons or specialists tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and may involve working in private practices, teaching, or research environments.

How to get a job in a kennel?

To get a job as a veterinary kennel assistant, candidates should have a passion for animals, basic knowledge of animal care, and good communication skills. Relevant experience or certifications in animal handling or pet first aid can improve chances, and many positions require physical stamina and the ability to work flexible hours. Applying to local veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or pet boarding facilities and demonstrating reliability and a caring attitude are key steps.

What does a veterinary kennel technician do?

A veterinary kennel technician is responsible for caring for animals in a veterinary setting, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring their health. They often assist with restraining animals during examinations and treatments, and may handle administrative tasks or maintain cleanliness of kennels and equipment. Basic knowledge of animal behavior and safety procedures is essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by Veterinary Kennel Assistants, and how can they be managed?

Veterinary Kennel Assistants often face challenges such as managing multiple animal care duties simultaneously, handling scared or aggressive animals, and maintaining strict cleanliness standards. Effective time management, strong communication with the veterinary team, and ongoing training in animal handling techniques are key strategies for success. Developing a calm, patient demeanor and being proactive about safety protocols can help reduce stress and ensure both animal welfare and staff safety.

What is the difference between Veterinary Kennel vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary KennelVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsNone or minimal; on-the-job trainingLicensed or certified; associate degree or higher
Work EnvironmentKennels, animal shelters, clinicsVeterinary clinics, hospitals, labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAnimal care, feeding, cleaning, monitoringAssisting veterinarians, performing tests, administering treatments

Veterinary Kennels primarily focus on animal care and maintenance in kennel settings, often with minimal formal credentials. Veterinary Technicians have more advanced training, assisting veterinarians with medical procedures. While both roles involve animal handling, Veterinary Technicians perform more technical tasks in clinical environments.

Is kennel work a good career?

Kennel work is a common entry-level position in the veterinary and animal care fields, involving tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and monitoring animals. It can provide valuable experience for those interested in veterinary medicine or animal care, but it often involves physically demanding work and variable hours. Career advancement may require additional training or certifications in animal handling or veterinary assisting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Veterinary Kennel Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Kennel Assistant, you need basic animal care knowledge, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, cleaning supplies, and basic computer systems for record-keeping is typically required. Compassion, reliability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that enhance teamwork and animal welfare. These competencies are essential to ensure the safety, comfort, and proper care of animals in a veterinary environment.

What are veterinary kennel assistants?

Veterinary kennel assistants are support staff who work in animal hospitals or veterinary clinics, providing care for animals that are boarding, recovering from surgery, or undergoing medical treatment. Their responsibilities often include feeding, bathing, exercising, and monitoring the health of animals, as well as maintaining clean and sanitary kennel environments. They may also assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with basic animal handling and care. This entry-level role is crucial for ensuring the well-being and comfort of animals in a clinical setting.
What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary Kennel jobs? The most popular types of Veterinary Kennel jobs are:
What states have the most Veterinary Kennel jobs? States with the most job openings for Veterinary Kennel jobs include:
Infographic showing various Veterinary Kennel job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 96% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $28,701 per year, or $13.8 per hour.
Veterinary/Kennel Assistant

$12 - $14/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Innovetive Petcare rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 51 rated veterinary


Job description

Veterinary / Kennel Assistant (Growth Track into Veterinary Medicine)
Hernando Animal Clinic & Surgery Center - Hernando, MS

Are you looking to start or grow your career in veterinary medicine? Do you enjoy working with animals and want hands-on experience in a fast-paced, supportive hospital?

Hernando Animal Clinic & Surgery Center
is hiring a Veterinary / Kennel Assistant who is eager to learn, works hard, and takes pride in maintaining a clean, safe environment for pets and people. This is more than just a kennel role-this position includes a structured rotation into veterinary assisting, giving you the opportunity to develop real clinical skills over time.

Whether you're early in your animal care career or looking to transition into veterinary medicine, this is an excellent entry-level veterinary job with growth potential.
About the Role
This is a dual-role position combining kennel care, hospital cleaning, and hands-on veterinary support training. You'll start by helping maintain the hospital and care for boarding/hospitalized pets, then gradually rotate into assisting our medical team.

We're looking for someone dependable, detail-oriented, and motivated to grow into a clinical role.
Animal Care & Kennel Responsibilities
  •  Feed, walk, and monitor boarding and hospitalized pets 
  •  Clean and sanitize kennels, cages, and hospital areas 
  •  Ensure pets are comfortable, safe, and well cared for 
  •  Observe and report any changes in behavior or health 
Hospital Cleaning & Maintenance
  •  Maintain cleanliness throughout the clinic (floors, surfaces, exam rooms) 
  •  Follow proper sanitation and infection control protocols 
  •  Assist with laundry, waste disposal, and general organization 
  •  Help keep a safe, welcoming environment for clients and staff 
Veterinary Assistant Training & Rotation
  •  Learn proper animal handling and restraint techniques 
  •  Assist veterinarians and technicians during exams and treatments 
  •  Support basic procedures and patient care as skills develop 
  •  Gain exposure to diagnostics, surgery prep, and medical workflows 
  •  Receive mentorship and hands-on training from experienced team members
We're seeking a motivated, experienced team member who thrives in a clinical environment.
Required / Preferred Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED required 
  • Previous animal care, kennel, or veterinary experience preferred (not required) 
  • Strong work ethic and willingness to learn 
  • Ability to handle physically active work (standing, lifting, cleaning) 
  • Positive attitude and team-first mindset 
  • Comfortable working around animals of all sizes and temperaments 
  • Interest in growing into a Veterinary Assistant or Technician role
Full-Time Benefits Include:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) + paid holidays
  • 401(k) with employer contributions
  • Continuing education & professional development support
  • Access to conferences, online CE, and training resources
  • Employee pet care discounts
  • Flexible scheduling options
  • Career advancement opportunities within a growing practice
  • Supportive, respectful, team-first culture
Why You'll Love It Here
At Hernando Animal Clinic and Surgery Center, you're not just filling a role-you're joining a team that respects experience, supports growth, and values quality medicine.

If you're ready to bring your veterinary skills to a practice where they truly matter, we'd love to meet you.
Apply today and take the next step in your veterinary career.

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